1
as in speech
the art of speaking in public eloquently and effectively
a presidential hopeful with a gift for oratory and a highly charismatic personality
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in rhetoric
language that is impressive-sounding but not meaningful or sincere
the politician's oratory sounded good only to people who didn't bother to think
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of oratory
King’s ability to take ideas from White preachers’ bland sermons and convert them to stirring oratory was part of his genius, Miller says.
—
John Blake, CNN Money, 18 Jan. 2026
Despite his alliance with the Populists and his soaring oratory, Bryan was defeated by the Republican candidate, William McKinley.
—David McWilliams, Fortune, 16 Nov. 2025
James Garfield, played by the always intense Michael Shannon, brings his intensity to Garfield's public oratory.
—David Bianculli, NPR, 10 Nov. 2025
President Barack Obama was the last Democrat on the national stage who managed to project awe, with his commanding oratory and charismatic presence.
—Washington Post, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for oratory
John Blake, CNN Money, 18 Jan. 2026
Despite his alliance with the Populists and his soaring oratory, Bryan was defeated by the Republican candidate, William McKinley.
—David McWilliams, Fortune, 16 Nov. 2025
James Garfield, played by the always intense Michael Shannon, brings his intensity to Garfield's public oratory.
—David Bianculli, NPR, 10 Nov. 2025
President Barack Obama was the last Democrat on the national stage who managed to project awe, with his commanding oratory and charismatic presence.
—Washington Post, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for oratory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oratory
Noun
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Journalists in the bubble get the pope’s speeches ahead of time and have occasional access to delegation members, as well as other information in real time from the Vatican spokesman.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Apr. 2026
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Barbara Deer was a speech language pathologist for nearly two decades at Chicago Public Schools, CEO of the consulting company Metamorphosis Health and headed the nonprofit Juneteenth Illinois.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
For all Magyar’s rhetoric, his politics do not actually represent a comprehensive break from Orbán.—
Kapil Komireddi,
New Yorker,
10 Apr. 2026
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Orban’s enduring support stems from tangible benefits — utility discounts, pension supplements — alongside nationalist rhetoric emphasizing Hungary’s traditions, regional pride, and external threats such as Ukraine’s war that resonate deeply with rural and elderly voters.—
Justin Spike,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Players understanding the play calls filtered through his thick Southern elocution.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
28 July 2025
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The delightful elocution of their dry-as-martini witticisms (dialect coach Nancy Carlin) adds to the joys of this period piece.—
Karen D'Souza,
The Mercury News,
25 Oct. 2024
Noun
-
Prior customer service and public speaking experience preferred.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Mar. 2026
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Summitt implored her to take a public speaking course.—
Rebecca Shore Winn,
Southern Living,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oratory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oratory. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
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